WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ga. — An inmate escaped from Washington County Hospital on Tuesday afternoon while receiving treatment, but his freedom was short-lived as the sheriff’s office found him hiding in a tree just hours later, according to Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran.
In a Facebook post, the sheriff’s office identified the inmate as George Vincent, 49. He had been arrested last Thursday for trespassing and carrying weapons near Washington State Prison in Davisboro.
Sheriff Cochran mentioned that while inmate escapes from the hospital are rare, they are challenging due to the transfer from a secure to a non-secure facility.
Vincent escaped around 3:15 p.m. as he was about to be released from the hospital. During his evaluation, his restraints were removed, allowing him to flee. Local and state law enforcement quickly mobilized to search for him.
“The incident happened within minutes, and all local law enforcement was involved,” Cochran said, highlighting the excellent cooperation between different agencies.
A canine unit eventually found Vincent hiding in a tree just across the street from the hospital. He was re-arrested and taken back into custody around 5 p.m., ending his brief escape.
This isn’t the first time an inmate has attempted to escape from Washington County Hospital. In April, an inmate named Jacob Henson was shot and killed by a guard after trying to escape. Henson had been treated at the hospital following a fight and used pepper spray on guards during his escape attempt. That incident is still under investigation.
Blue & Gold NLR Team is a dedicated journalist at blueandgoldnlr.com, where he provides insightful and up-to-date news coverage. With a passion for uncovering the truth and a commitment to delivering accurate information, Blue & Gold NLR Team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. His work ensures readers stay informed about the latest events and developments.